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LUNG CANCER
CONNECTION
WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER
2016 FACES OF LUNG CANCER REPORT
The third annual Faces of Lung Cancer Report inspires a
message of hope as Lung Cancer Canada continues to push
forward to improve the situation for Canadian lung cancer
patients and their families. In 2016, multiple sources clearly
demonstrated the level of progress that still needs to be
made in Canada, specifically when it comes to lung cancer
research, rising rates of the disease in women and the
consequences of lengthy approval and coverage timelines.
“Much progress has been made in 2016 for lung cancer
patients, with the promise of effective screening programs
and multiple new drug therapies. However, barriers still
exist when it comes to a patient’s ability to access these
opportunities through public coverage and in a timely
manner,” says Dr Paul Wheatley-Price, Medical Oncologist,
and President of Lung Cancer Canada. “Treatment
innovation, such as molecularly-targeted therapies and
the emergence of immunotherapy drugs, is starting to
demonstrate incredible outcomes with many patients, but
it is taking far too long for new drugs to be approved and
made accessible.”
#TREATMENTINCANADA
Lung Cancer Canada initiated a comparative analysis to
illustrate the speed at which lung cancer drugs are reviewed,
approved, and made accessible in Canada. The analysis
looked at eight of the most recent lung cancer treatments
approved by Health Canada. The Federal Drug Administration
(FDA) in the United States was used as a baseline to
represent a milestone of a treatment’s efficacy.
On average, it took 440 days longer for these eight drugs
to be covered and accessible for Canadian patients – this
is far too long and patients are dying as they wait. A Fraser
Institute report indicates it takes 1.5 to 4.5 times longer to
approve the same drug in Canada, compared to the US.
Approval of a new cancer drug from Health Canada is only
the start of a long process for access on a provincial level.
For the drugs examined in the Fraser report, the timeline for
public funding was between 56 – 412 days after receiving
marketing approval from Health Canada. Lung Cancer
Canada research indicates the time is well over a year.
According to an Innovative Medicines Canada report of 27
drugs that were approved in Canada between 2010 and
2014, only 59 per cent were actually covered in public drug
plans across all provinces. Canada’s fractured approval
infrastructure ranked Canada 17th from the Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) who
evaluated approval timelines of cancer drugs in 20 countries.
Wheatley-Price adds, “The lung cancer community will
continue to drive efforts that tackle the stigma barriers faced
by lung cancer patients, to facilitate faster diagnosis, and
advocate for more timely access to available treatments.”
CONTINUES ON PAGE 4
LUNG CANCER CONNECTION
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
President
Dr Paul Wheatley-Price
Medical Oncologist
Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre
Ottawa, ON
Past-President
Dr Natasha Leighl
Medical Oncologist
Princess Margaret Hospital
Toronto, ON
Vice-President
Casey Cosgrove
Lung Cancer Survivor
Burlington, ON
Treasurer
Maria Amaral
Caregiver Advocate
Toronto, ON
Secretary
Sumbal Ali
Sun Life Assurance Co.
Toronto, ON
Members
Debra Bond-Gorr
CFRE
Belleville, ON
Roz Brodsky
Lung Cancer Survivor
Patient Advocate and Dog Rescuer
Thornhill, ON
Anne Marie Cerato
Lung Cancer Survivor
Patient Advocate
Toronto, ON
Dr Cheryl Ho
Medical Oncologist
BC Cancer Agency
Vancouver, BC
Dr Rosalyn Juergens
Medical Oncologist
Juravinski Cancer Centre
Hamilton, ON
Lorraine Martelli
Nurse Practitioner
Hamilton Health Sciences
Hamilton, ON
Joel Rubinovich
Chartered Account
Toronto, ON
Dr Zhaolin Xu
Pathologist
QEII Health Sciences Centre
Halifax, NS
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MEDICAL
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Chair
Dr Rosalyn Juergens
Medical Oncologist
Juravinski Cancer Centre
Members
Dr Normand Blais
Medical Oncologist
Hôpital Notre Dame du CHUM
Dr Nicole Bouchard
Medical Oncologist
Sherbrooke University Hospital
HONORARY BOARD
MEMBERS
Catherine Black
Dr Gail E Darling
Dr Peter Ellis
Dr WK (Bill) Evans
Dr Margaret Fitch
Ralph Gouda
Dr Michael Johnston
Peter F MacKenzie
Morty Sacks
Dr Frances Shepherd
Dr Yee Ung
EK (Ted) Weir
Magdalene Winterhoff
Dr Quincy Chu
Medical Oncologist
Cross Cancer Institute
PATIENT RESOURCES
Dr Meredith Giuliani
Radiation Oncologist
Princess Margaret Hospital
A Patient’s Guide to Lung Cancer is a
Lung Cancer Canada publication designed
to meet the educational needs of lung
cancer patients and their families.
Dr Cheryl Ho
Medical Oncologist
BC Cancer Agency
Available in English and French.
Dr Diana Ionescu
Pathologist
BC Cancer Agency
Dr Stephen Lam
Respirologist
BC Cancer Agency
Dr Natasha Leighl
Medical Oncologist
Princess Margaret Hospital
Dr Donna Maziak
Thoracic Surgeon
The Ottawa Hospital
Dr Jeffrey Rothenstein
Medical Oncologist
Lakeridge Health
Dr Yee Ung
Radiation Oncologist
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Dr Paul Wheatley-Price
Medical Oncologist
Ottawa Hospital cancer Centre
Dr Zhaolin Xu
Pathologist
QEII Health Sciences Centre
Call or email Lung Cancer Canada
to order your complimentary copy
Materials and resources are free for
individual patients and caregivers.
10 St. Mary Street, Suite 315
Toronto, ON M4Y 1P9
416.785.3439 | 1.888.445.4403
www.lungcancercanada.ca
WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER
LCC WELCOMES A NEW
PRESIDENT AND NEW MAC CHAIR
Message From LCC’s
New President
Lung cancer represents the most common cancer in Canada,
and by far the leading cause of death from cancer in our
country, indeed worldwide. The majority of lung cancer
patients are diagnosed too late, when the cancer has already
spread, and even those diagnosed early face a high risk of a
fatal relapse. Therefore, tens of thousands of Canadians are
impacted by this disease each year, with ripples of distress
impacting families, friends and communities.
As a new Canadian, and an oncologist in the field of lung
cancer, it is my privilege to become President of Lung Cancer
Canada this year. I am aware of the terrific energy and
enthusiasm that exists in our communities to raise awareness
of this disease, to tackle the stigma that leads not only to
judgement of patients, but also to the disproportionate lack of
funding for lung cancer research. I hope that together we can
ensure that Lung Cancer Canada is able to offer help to all lung
cancer patients in our country, from coast to coast to coast.
Yet there is hope on the near horizon, with the promise of
early detection through screening programs, novel diagnostic
techniques and revolutionary and exciting new therapies driven
by a burgeoning understanding of the biology of the disease.
As a clinician, I already see these changes having dramatic
effects for many of my patients, but we can and must do more.
Lung Cancer Canada is a growing and impactful organization
dedicated to supporting patients and their caregivers. We do
this through educational programs and materials, supporting
lung cancer research, advocating with regulatory bodies and
lawmakers, and bringing together communities of patients,
health care professionals and volunteers.
LCC Welcomes the New Chair of
the Medical Advisory Committee,
Dr Rosalyn Juergens
Dr Rosalyn Juergens received her medical degree from
Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She was an
intern and resident in the Osler Internal Medicine Training
Program at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. She
completed a fellowship in medical oncology with a focus on
upper aerodigestive malignancies at Johns Hopkins as well.
Additionally, she completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Investigation
at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
She was on the faculty at Johns Hopkins from 2007-2010,
until she joined the faculty at McMaster University.
Dr Paul Wheatley-Price is a medical oncologist
from Ottawa, ON.
Dr Juergens’ clinical expertise is in lung and esophageal
cancer. She chairs the Lung Disease Site Team at the
Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario. She also is
the Head of the Department of Clinical Trials at the Juravinski
Cancer Centre. Dr Juergens is an OICR Clinical Research
Scholar. She is also a member
of the Escarpment Cancer
Research Institute. Her areas
of research expertise involve
improving therapeutics and
diagnostics in cancer.
Dr Rosalyn Juergens is a medical
oncologist and assistant professor at
McMaster University in Hamilton, ON.
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LUNG CANCER CONNECTION
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
#GLOBALRESEARCHUPDATE
#LUNGCANCHER
It is known as the ‘invisible cancer’ for good reason and this is
true on a global-scale.
Surprising trends in women and lung cancer were another
focus this year. A recent Canadian Institute for Health
Information (CIHI) report showed that Canadian women are
losing more years of potential life from lung cancer than
women in most other peer countries. The report also showed
that, since 1960, Canadian women have continuously moved
toward last place and are at risk of having the highest number
of Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL) from lung cancer than
any other peer country.
Lung Cancer Canada belongs to a global coalition comprised
of patient groups from around the world, known as the Global
Lung Cancer Coalition (GLCC). The GLCC wanted to take a
deeper look at how exactly lung cancer compares to other
cancers and initiated a study to closely examine the situation
with input from over 24 countries, including Canada.
A core objective of the analysis was to identify if research
outputs have changed over time, as well as the specific
area of focus and how close it is to lung cancer patients.
Worldwide, the number of papers published on lung cancer
have more than doubled from 2,157 papers in 2004 to 4,845
in 2013. Canada ranked a disappointing ninth out of the 24.
#SCREENINGSAVES
A major achievement in the fight against lung cancer was
made when a landmark recommendation for screening was
announced. Published in the March issue of the Canadian
Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), the Canadian Task
Force on Preventive Health Care released a new guideline
recommending annual lung cancer screening in high-risk
adults ages 55-74, using the newest screening method, lowdose computed tomography (LDCT) screening.
A similar task force in the United States showed a 20 per cent
drop in lung cancer mortality through LDCT screening across
the United States. Based on the National Lung Screening Trial
in the United States, the program could be expected to save
more than 1,200 Canadian lives per year.
These findings add to the evidence that lung cancer is a
women’s health issue. Another CIHI report released in 2013
showed that Canada had the third highest female lung cancer
death rate out of 33 other peer countries studied. Over the
last 30 years, lung cancer incidence has increased in young
women while it has decreased in young men (ages 20-44).
Lung cancer kills more women than any other cancer, and
specifically kills more women than breast cancer, uterine
cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer, combined.
“I thought I was protecting my health by not smoking, eating
healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle, lung cancer was
not even on my radar as a young woman,” says Elizabeth
Dessureault a lung cancer patient in Ottawa, Ontario. Sadly,
Elizabeth recently succumbed to her disease. She is survived
by her husband Dax and her son, Jack.
Lung cancer patients from coast-to-coast will continue their
combined efforts to break down the stigma barriers, facilitate
faster diagnosis, and advocate for more timely access to
available treatments. The waiting game is not an option that
patients are willing to accept – it is time for action now. Join
the conversation using the report hashtags.
2016 Faces of
Lung Cancer Report
To download your copy of the 2016 Faces of Lung Cancer
Report, visit here: www.bit.ly/FoLCR16
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WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER
#HOPEUNITES
The Patient Voice
Lung cancer patients need their
voices heard! Together we can make
a difference. Read the message and
add your name online to the list of
those who want to listen, empathize
and act, to lessen the burden of lung
cancer in Canada.
#HopeUNITES - A MESSAGE FROM
LUNG CANCER PATIENTS
We live in a world where everything is happening faster than
ever before, meanwhile patients with Canada’s number one
cancer killer are playing a waiting game to survive! Lung
cancer is not only our country’s biggest killer, it carries with it
a heavy sense of stigma and falls far behind other cancers, in
terms of research, patient support and timely access to new
and emerging therapies, that can have a profound impact on
quality of life and overall survival.
As the collective patient voice, we have a front row seat to the
disparities of lung cancer – we feel the trauma of a diagnosis
in our fight, and we do our best to navigate a complicated
system that has not kept pace with our ‘real-time’ reality.
Each day is a gift and despite a long list of inequities, as a
community of patients and caregivers, we remain hopeful
and determined - lung cancer will not be forgotten! Driven
by our voracity for life, we will advocate for improved access
to new and effective therapies, while championing a more
efficient process for the approval and funding of critical lung
cancer treatments. It is never too late to drive change and we
remain hopeful, focused and strong in our pursuit to address
the unrelenting stigma and increase lung cancer literacy for a
disease that killed almost 21,000 Canadians, just last year.
We urge everyone to listen, empathize and act, to lessen the
burden of lung cancer in Canada. The social and economic
toll being placed on the system is unsustainable and will
soon, reach an apex. Improved support, research and
faster access to innovative therapies will improve the lives of
patients and their caregivers – it is time for us to reach the
same speed of innovation. Lung cancer is a killer that leaves
you with no time to wait. Join the lung cancer community
and help us make changes that can dramatically improve
lives and outcomes.
- Canadian Lung Cancer Patients
Visit: http://bit.ly/HopeTPV or email
[email protected] to add your name to the list.
EVENTS FOR HOPE
2016 Continuing Hope!
In November 2016, LCC hosted the annual Evening of Hope
fundraising gala which served as a welcome and reception
for the inaugural Hope is Here Patient Summit. Patients,
survivors, caregivers and supporters from all across Canada
came together to share inspiration and messages of hope.
Many other exciting activities have also taken place across
the country. The puck has dropped on another successful
Donnie Mac Cup in Alberta, runners took to the streets for the
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and truckers had
a huge turnout for the Convoy for Hope in New Brunswick!
Ottawa hosted a golf tournament, as well as bowling,
curling and their own Evening of Hope events.
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LUNG CANCER CONNECTION
Stakeholder Briefing
On November 1, 2016, LCC held a stakeholder briefing and
launch of the Faces of Lung Cancer Report for the first time
in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, ON. In attendance were invited
stakeholders and Members of Parliament: Ali Ehsassi, MP,
Willowdale; Ted Falk, MP, Provencher; Eva Nassif, MP, Vimy;
Francesco Sorbera, MP, Vaughan; Geng Tan, MP, Don Valley
North and Arnold Vierson, MP, Peace-River Westlock. Dr Paul
Wheatley-Price and Dr Rosalyn Juergens spoke on behalf
of healthcare professionals and special guests Elizabeth
Dessureault, Ian and Cathy McAlpine, and Dr Col Jaques
Ricard gave emotional yet inspiring messages of hope from the
patient perspective. The 2016 Faces of Lung Cancer Report
was also launched and guests were encouraged to take to
social media and spread the key messages of:
LCC visits Parliament Hill, Dr Paul Wheatley-Price, Elizabeth Dessureault,
Marco Mendicino, MP, Eglinton-Lawrence, Maria Amaral, Shem Singh &
Christina Sit
Maria Amaral, Eva Nasif, MP, Vimy, & Christina Sit
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#ScreeningSAVES,
#StopCancerShaming,
#ACTIONTime and
#HopeUNITES!
Following the briefing, LCC met with Marco Mendicino, MP,
Eglinton-Lawrence; Colin Carrie, MP, Oshawa and Senator
Peter Harder to further share the issues surrounding lung
cancer as well as the messages of hope. Now it is your turn
to take action and continue the conversation! Take to social
media, include these hashtags, tag your MP or MPP and
share your message of hope for lung cancer.
Christina Sit, Colin Carrie, MP, Oshawa, & Maria Amaral
Elizabeth Dessureault, Sen Peter Harder, Maria Amaral & Christina Sit
AN EVENING OF
HOPE - TORONTO
The sixth annual Evening of Hope in Toronto was held
this year in conjunction with the Lung Cancer Patient
Summit at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto. This
year was special, in attendance were many lung cancer
patients and caregivers from all over Canada who were
also participating in the LCPS the next day. The Evening
of Hope was a chance to meet and get to know one
another in a relaxed, yet festive atmosphere. This year
focused on patients: giving them a voice, a chance to
connect, share with one another and experience a sense
of community. We had the highest attendance ever at
this year’s event which is encouraging as awareness
remains an important factor in improving outcomes for
lung cancer patients. Where there are more voices, there
is more hope! All of our patient guests were recognized
onstage as they were the true heroes of the evening.
The evening included exciting games, raffles and
auctions, as well as a delicious dinner and some
tremendous musical performances and guest speakers.
Prizes at this year’s event ranged from a four-day
stay in the Bahamas to Leafs and Raptors tickets to
wonderful jewellery and watches. The Balloon Game
was a popping success and sold out within minutes!
We received many more donations for prizes this year
than ever before and would like to thank our many
generous donors!
There were touching speeches from Lorne Cochrane
who spoke about his experience having lung cancer
along with his twin brother. Casey Cosgrove, lung cancer
patient and LCC Vice-President who also was co-MC for
the night, encouraged us with his story. Christina Amaral,
co-MC along with Casey, told us of her father whose
life inspired her, and us. Dr John Chong, partner of the
late Dr Elaine Ling, spoke on the life journey of this truly
remarkable woman and generously donated prints of Dr
Ling’s photography for display in the gallery. Darrell Fox
shared his moving, personal connection to lung cancer
with the passing of his father, Rolland Fox.
Lung Cancer Canada would like to send a heartfelt thank
you to everyone who attended, our tireless volunteers,
generous donors and stakeholders, our special guests
and of course, the patients and caregivers who made
both events a huge success!
#HopeUNITES
The inaugural Hope is Here Lung Cancer Patient
Summit was held in Toronto in November and brought
together lung cancer patients, survivors and caregivers
as well as special guests from all across Canada.
The LCPS provided a forum for some informative and
inspirational messages and created a community for
those affected by this disease to come together and
share messages of hope. The agenda was a full day
packed with wonderful messages from our very special
invited guests and presenters.
Lung Cancer Patient Summit Group
Topics included:
New Advances in Lung Cancer
•
Opportunities to Live
•
Screening & Surgery
•
Radiation Therapy
•Immunotherapy
Navigating Treatment
•
Clinical Trials
•Advocacy
•
Sharing Hope
Keynote – Darrell Fox
Living with Lung Cancer
•Nutrition
•
Breathing & Exercise
•
Financial Planning
•
Redefining Palliative Care
Some of the feedback we received included “Presenters
were dynamic and passionate. Everyone was so
informative, easy to understand, and so powerful.” “Very
insightful and inspiring.” “Great experience! Wonderful
to connect with other lung cancer patients. Especially
useful was information on new advances. I am leaving
with hope.”
Participant generated evaluations rated the LCPS as:
Valuable (9.8 out of 10); Fills a need and should
continue to occur (9.8 out of 10); Regional patient
summits need to be established (9.7 out of 10). By
all measures, the LCPS was a huge success! Lung
Cancer Canada would like to thank all of our patients,
survivors, caregivers, supporters and presenters for
their participation in what was truly an event that
filled a community with hope! The story doesn’t end
there, however. In order to build upon the momentum
and community that was created in November, LCC
encourages everyone who was a part of the LCPS to
take the energy generated back to their communities
and grow the voice of all who are affected by this
disease. We will be heard! #HopeUNITES
WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER
Events for Hope in Ottawa
Community Calendar
The Fourth Annual Ottawa Evening of Hope was held at
Landsdowne Park on November 26, 2016. It was an evening of
remembrance for those that have passed, hope in the progress
that has been made and celebration of the spirit in those that
are fighting lung cancer. The sense of community was strong
as funds raised in Ottawa throughout the year were presented
at this event. The Philip Clarke Classic Tournament of Hope,
Bowing to Strikeout Cancer and the Curling to Kick Cancer
events all contributed substantially to the funds raised. Thank
you to all! As a result of your dedication and commitment,
Lung Cancer Canada has been able to provide unique Ottawacentric patient activities such as a professionally led support
group for women living with lung cancer.
There are many exciting events gearing up for 2017! Some
dates and locations are yet to be determined so please check
our Events page on our website often. Here are a few of the
sensational events to look forward to:
Bowling to Strikeout Cancer – March 25 – Orleans, ON
Scotiabank Ottawa Marathon – May 28 – Ottawa, ON
Vermont Square Community Health Fair – April 5 –
Toronto, ON
Donnie Mac Cup – April – St. Albert, AB
Community Event – May – Atlantic Canada
Convoy for Hope Atlantic – August – Salisbury, NB
Phillip Clarke Golf Classic – September – Ottawa, ON
Curling to Kick Cancer – October – Ottawa, ON
Scotiabank Toronto Marathon – October 22 – Toronto, ON
Stakeholder Briefing – November 1 – Vancouver, BC
Toronto Evening of Hope – November – Toronto, ON
Ottawa Evening of Hope – November – Ottawa, ON
Lung Cancer Canada Events
Convoy for Hope – Atlantic
The seventh annual Convoy for Hope – Atlantic 2016
once again brought together survivors, family, friends and
neighbours. We come together to celebrate the survivors
and remember those who have lost their fight. We believe
in a cancer-free future and will continue to raise funds
and awareness in the future. This year’s convoy was a
huge success! We had fantastic weather and a great turn
out. Thanks to all for participation, attendance & support.
We had a record year!
The Convoy for Hope – Atlantic is an annual one-day
celebration of the trucking community and its partners to
create awareness, promote early detection, and to raise funds
in the fight against the top four cancers affecting Atlantic
Canadians: breast, colon, prostate and lung cancers. Each
year, up to 100 truckers come together, raise pledge donations
and drive 38 km from Salisbury, NB to Moncton, NB, bringing
hope to all those affected by cancer. LCC thanks you for all of
your hard work and dedication!
The Convoy for Hope has been donating
to lung cancer for the past five years.
Thanks again for all the support, we look forward to
advancing the proceeds.
Jo-Anne & Team
Convoy for Hope – Atlantic
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LUNG CANCER CONNECTION
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Over 25,000 people ran, walked or rolled in this year’s
installment of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon to
benefit of causes near and dear to them. Billed as “flat, fast
and festive,” the runners in costumes are always great fun! It
Maria and David Amaral run for LCC
was an overcast, but unseasonably warm day and a great time
was had by all. Our sincere appreciation to all of those who
participated on behalf of Lung Cancer Canada with a special
mention to Natalie Gembicki who raised over $3,400!
Natalie Gembicki (left) and son
Congratulations to Student Grant Recipients
LCC has awarded four summer studentship grants to
highly qualified biological and social sciences students with
the aim of providing support in all areas of lung cancer
research in Canada. Congratulations to Bram Gottlieb, Mike
Sung and Jing Wang from Ontario and Yifei Wu from Alberta.
Mike Sung (left)
and Melissa Iazzi
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An update on their progress will be provided in a future edition
of Lung Cancer Connection. Lung Cancer Canada would
like to acknowledge the Vari Foundation for their generous
contribution to the studentships.
WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER
JILL’S STORY
Friends used to tease me about how much I multi-tasked,
always trying to live life to the full! In May 1996 I married an
amazing Australian, and we have three terrific children who
are now 15, 13 and 9! Ours is a musical family: each of us
plays more than one instrument. I love to sing, hike, and
spend time with family and friends! I’ve always eaten well,
been active, and very healthy.
I was on IV chemo for about four months. It helped a bit but
wore my body out and pretty soon the cancer started growing
again. I took a new chemo pill, which is a targeted therapy
for my particular kind of lung cancer. It helped for about ten
months, but cancer is nasty and tricky, it keeps changing.
Eventually it outsmarted those pills and I needed some other
kind of treatment.
In the Fall of 2013, I was unusually tired and had a constant
cough that I couldn’t shake. That began a long process of
appointments and tests which led to a Stage IV lung cancer
diagnosis in December 2013.
I have been part of a clinical trial for a new drug called ceritinib since May 2015, and we rejoice that since the Fall of
2015, my CT scans have shown no evidence of cancer. This
was an unexpected gift! If it were not for ceritinib and this
local clinical trial, my story would have been very different.
I’ve never been a smoker, so I never dreamed I could have
lung cancer. I was completely shocked! It felt my world had
turned upside down. I knew we couldn’t manage alone.
It would take weeks to tell you all about the generosity lavishly
poured out on our family! As news of my diagnosis spread,
friends, neighbours, even some people we hardly knew kindly
brought meals for our family. Our fridge got crowded, our
freezer became full and some friends lent us their spare freezer.
Even when I wasn’t able to cook, we always had healthy,
home-cooked meals on our table.
This was only one of the many beautiful gifts we have
received since my diagnosis. We are grateful for the people
who have stood with us and supported us in so many ways!
If you get a bad diagnosis like I did, please, let people help
you! Ask for help!
I’m so thankful for these months of better health. I’m grateful
for milestones like birthdays and anniversaries, as well as the
ordinary everyday kinds of moments: hugging my kids, listening to their stories, great conversations with friends, walks
in the woods, making music (I can sing again!), enjoying our
garden and teaching my kids to cook. The list goes on and on!
Clinical trials are helping me to have hope! I want to celebrate
many more birthdays with family and friends. I’d love to see my
kids grow up and even my grandchildren. Every day is a gift!
We are grateful beyond words!
If you are interested in hearing more of my ongoing story,
I blog at: https://throughthevalley23.wordpress.com
I was diagnosed on a Thursday (back in December 2013),
we told the kids over the week-end, and on Tuesday I
started IV chemotherapy.
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LUNG CANCER CONNECTION
Goodbye and Thank You
Dear Friend
I hope to be able to pay tribute to someone whose memory,
for me, will always represent a devoted colleague, trusted
mentor and a wonderful friend.
I first met Geoff in October of 2013 shortly after I had joined
Lung Cancer Canada. At the time, Geoff was the Co-chair of
the Advocacy Committee, a committee that he had just joined
to ensure that those who were living with lung cancer had a
voice, an advocate, a friend.
Geoffrey Ogram was a patient advocate for Lung Cancer Canada
and a dear friend. A tree was planted in his memory at the Lung
Cancer Canada Grove in Seton Park, Toronto, ON.
As the months followed, I learned the fuller range of
Geoff’s passions, extraordinary contributions, and
personal warmth. Throughout my career, I have met and worked alongside many
outstanding individuals, Geoff is at the top of this list. His
support of LCC’s mission was unwavering and Geoff seemed
to revel in all aspects of the organization, from operations and
strategy to patient programs and advocacy. He was a true leader in all endeavors, but to our organization
he was a mentor who gave selflessly for a greater cause. His
work as a Director continues to guide the organization on an
ambitious and successful strategic path. As Co-chair of the
Advocacy Committee he brought a passion for advocacy
and a dedication to the cause that is an inspiration to the
volunteers, staff and the other members of the Board of
Directors. He never lost hope and continued to work towards
increased awareness of the impact of the disease for those
living with it and their loved ones, striving for early detection,
reducing stigma, access to treatment and obtaining
proportionate funding.
I consider it an honour to have witnessed another side of
Geoff. Whenever he was surrounded by friends and family,
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he found energy and purpose and through his warmth and
character, his enduring friendships were evident. When
Geoff passed away in April, I wrote a note that still holds
true - we are sad not only at the loss, but at the loss of
a great individual who always had the time to share his
professional and personal experiences with each of us
to the benefit of all that knew him. A kind and gentle soul
whose wisdom will continue to inspire his LCC family.
While we missed his presence at the Evening of Hope and
Patient Summit this year, I know that he would have been
so very proud of his family and the work he truly inspired. I was privileged to have known Geoff, to have worked with
him, to have shared time with him and Dawn, and above
all, to have had a glimpse of his kindness, generosity,
and the good will he extended so graciously to all around
him. In Geoff’s memory, the Geoffrey Ogram Memorial
Research Fund has been established.
- Shem Singh
Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada
WINTER 2017 NEWSLETTER
COMMUNITY
Improving Access
Since the last newsletter, the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug
Review committee has given a positive recommendation for
the lung cancer drug Opdivo for advanced NSCLC second
line treatment and Keytruda for metastatic NSCLC second
line treatment.
This is great news for patients; as more lung cancer treatments
are approved, it means that patients have more options.
More options equals more hope. Lung Cancer Canada will
continue to advocate for new, effective treatments. Currently,
Avastin for first line treatment of unresectable malignant pleural
mesothelioma, Alectinib for second line ALK+, advanced
NSCLC with CNS metastases, Zykadia for second line ALK+,
advanced NSCLC and Keytruda for first line treatment of
NSCLC are also under review.
Reach Out and Connect
Face to Face, our Peer-to-Peer Network, connects lung
cancer patients with a mentor who is in or has gone through
a similar lung cancer journey. Contact us if you would like to
volunteer or be connected to a volunteer!
It was a tremendous success and one that LCC hopes to
continue in other communities across Canada. Contact us if
you are interested in attending or coordinating a Real Hope
meeting in your area.
On May 12, 2016 LCC hosted the Real Hope in Lung
Cancer meeting in Aurora, ON as a part of the Face to Face
program. This was a chance for local patients and caregivers
to connect with one another, access education and experts,
and discuss the issues facing lung cancer patients today.
If you have recently received a lung cancer diagnoses, you
will likely have a lot of questions and it may be difficult and
overwhelming. We’ve compiled a list of Questions to Ask
Your Oncologist to help guide you. These are available on
www.LungCancerCanada.ca.
Dr Natasha Leighl and Real Hope in Lung Cancer participants
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LUNG CANCER CONNECTION
HOPE IS IN
YOUR HANDS
Every day an average of 78 Canadians will be told
“You have lung cancer.”
It’s shocking and devastating news. But you can provide
lung cancer patients and their caregivers with help – and
hope – when you give to Lung Cancer Canada.
We’re the country’s leading resource for lung cancer education,
patient support, advocacy and research. Donations of all sizes
go towards our vital work and are welcome and appreciated.
Your contribution can be put into action to:
• Send a free copy of A Patient’s Guide to Lung Cancer to
someone who has been diagnosed.
• Build our online library with the latest information and
fact sheets in a printable, concise and targeted format.
One great way for you to give is to become a monthly donor.
Monthly gifts provide a regular revenue stream for Lung Cancer
Canada services and initiatives year-round, plus allow our team
to respond quickly when an urgent need arises.
Many people find that monthly giving is an affordable means to
make a substantial contribution over time. You’ll be surprised
how fast your donations add up!
As a monthly donor your annual support of Lung Cancer
Canada is automatically renewed, and you’ll receive one tax
receipt for all of your monthly gifts in a calendar year. This
saves us money on paper and postage for mailings.
Monthly giving is secure, easy and convenient. And it’s
flexible – you may change, pause or cancel your arrangement
with us at any time.
Whether you choose to give monthly or a one-time donation
to Lung Cancer Canada, you have the option of making it a
tribute gift as well.
• Connect a lung cancer patient or their caregiver with
a Peer-to-Peer Navigator who can offer mentorship,
encouragement, advice, experience and hope.
This recognition can be in memory of a loved one, to honour
someone special, or to mark a celebration like a birth, birthday,
wedding or anniversary. It only takes a few moments to do,
but the impact of your thoughtful gesture will be both personal
and lasting.
• Share exercises and coping tools for daily activities and
acute episodes via our video learning series, Managing
Shortness of Breath.
To give online, sign up for monthly giving or set up
a tribute gift, visit our webpage at
www.lungcancercanada.ca/Donate-Now.
• Update our comprehensive, online Canadian lung cancer
clinical trials database.
If you’d like more information or would prefer to make
your gift over the phone, call 416-785-3439 or toll-free at
1-888-445-4403. A mail-in donation form is also available
below. Thank you!
• Promote advocacy and raise awareness through communications like our annual Faces of Lung Cancer report.
• Boost efforts to secure more funding for lung cancer
research, increasing access to new treatments, and
more timely access to available treatments.
DONATION CARD
You Can Help Make a Difference
Yes! Here’s my gift of hope for people with lung cancer:
$35
$50
$100
$250 or
$__________
Name of : To donate online, visit www.lungcancercanada.ca.
Tribute and monthly gifts may also be made online or by
phone at 416-785-3439 or 1-888-445-4403.
My cheque payable to Lung Cancer Canada is enclosed. OR
Please charge my:
MasterCard
Card Number: Address: Exp Date: Cardholder’s Name: Phone: (please print)
Email: Signature: (for future communications)
Mail to: 10 St. Mary Street, Suite 315, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1P9
Thank you! Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20.00 or more. Charitable Registration #872775119RR0001
12
VISA